ep15 Arlo Maverick planting seeds
released May 1, 2025
1:45:17

Arlo Maverick, Edmonton-based MC and community builder, discusses his extensive career in hip hop, celebrating over 20 years in the industry. Beginning with his early inspirations and the formation of the group Politic Live, Marlon Wilson, aka Arlo Maverick, details his journey from regional recognition to national success. Glen Erickson engages with Marlon about his unique approach to music, including working with a live band and fostering a collective art creation environment. The conversation delves into Black Every Day and the ongoing racial barriers in the Canadian music industry, the systemic challenges, and the lack of infrastructure for Black musicians. Marlon also shares insights on the critical roles of mentorship and allyship in developing the music scene and challenges faced due to changing formats and radio station policies. Highlights include Marlon’s reflections on collaborations, the impact of support networks, and how aspiring artists can navigate their careers amidst systemic barriers.

Guest website: https://arlomaverick.ca
Guest Instagram: http://instagram.com/arlomaverick
Guest Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/arlomaverick

hosts: Glen Erickson, Alexi Erickson
Almost Famous Enough website: https://www.almostfamousenough.com
AFE instagram: https://www.instagram.com/almostfamousenough
Almost Famous Enough Spotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1o1PRD2X0i3Otmpn8vi2zP?si=1ece497360564480

Almost Famous Enough is a series of conversations centered around the music industry, pulling back the veil on what it really means to “make it”. Our podcast features guests who know the grind, who have lived the dream, or at the very least, chased the dream. Through these conversational biographies, truth and vulnerability provide more than a topical roadmap or compile some career advice; they can appeal to the dreamer in us all, with stories that can teach us, inspire us, and even reconcile us, and make us feel like we made a new friend along the way.

00:00 Introduction

03:04 Arlo Maverick's Musical Journey and Style

10:11 The Formation and Evolution of Politic Live

18:41 Navigating the Canadian Hip Hop Scene

25:49 Breaking Out: From Local to National Recognition

33:41 The Evolution of Music Videos

35:03 Transitioning Eras in Music

36:26 The Solo Journey Begins

37:38 Overcoming Doubts and Finding Success

41:39 The Importance of Collaboration

59:21 Addressing Racism and Privilege in Music

01:11:08 Challenges in the Music Industry

01:11:51 Funding Disparities and Genre Bias

01:13:15 Gatekeeping and Systemic Issues

01:16:21 Success Stories and Missed Opportunities

01:21:07 The Role of Community and Representation

01:34:14 Reflections and Future Directions

01:38:50 Post-Fame with Alexi